r2i forum

Hey guys...

I was surprised to find a return to india forum/website with such a high amount of users. Its amazing to have such a network to discuss issues like these...

Of course I have my own ;) Will be easier if I explain everything chronologically....

Prologue:
I'm a lazy bum.
I'm tired of being a follower.

Story:
2001/India - I turn 18. Non-Medical was not an option that I chose. It just happened. FIIT-JEE courses, tuitions at IIT institutes, etc. But my lazy ass didn't get good enough ranks for IIT or even the good local colleges. Instead I'm distracted by friends who want to "run away". I get into a college in USA. With no idea of finances or future plans, I run off to the land of plenty.

2006/USA - Graduated from college. Just like my friends, I'm applying for jobs furiously, looking for the first job that will give me an H1B. I had no idea what I wanted to do. Din't really care. Got a job in a Software firm as a traveling consultant. The industry was niche. The software... only known to select buyers :)

2009/USA - By this time had become complacent in said job. Most projects were work from home. Eventually, projects dwindled and I got laid off. Panicked to the core about H1b status, etc... I took a job with one of the clients to maintain the said software. Desk job. Easier than any govt job. Decent money. I also decide to move back to India. I'd missed my family for 8 years. Living in US is lonely. I applied to ISB, MBA.

2010/USA - ISB reject after an interview. I had very high hopes. Am stranded. start applying for jobs in India on job sites. But my specialized experience is of no use to anyone (except the same company who laid me off).. I apply to ISB again (just for kicks).. Also, just for kicks, I apply for an MBA in my undergrad college.

2011/USA - Another reject from ISB. I'm in India while this happens. I vow to apply for more jobs (no replies from job portals yet).. I travel to India for World Cup ;) While I'm on that trip, I receive an email that the USA university has accepted me.

NOW/USA
Dilemma: I want to move to India. I'm 27. Want to move sooner than later to start a life there. With no job offers, and a good job in US, I haven't yet found the courage of just quitting. I don't even know what I want to do.. except that I'm tired of IT (ya I know... 0 points of creativity here). I now have an option of MBA in US, but from a school ranked 60 in worldwide rankings. Not sure if that'll help me in career move in India. So, trying to figure out what to do...

Reasons I want to move to India:
- Family.
- Feel at home.
- Tired of lonely and "bland" lifestyle in US.
- Will have a chance to start businesses. No Visa issues.

Reasons I haven't yet:
- No job offer
- Get a lot of time in US for hobbies (due to totally non-existent work)..
- Good pay right now..

Any help would be appreciated :)

I think MBA from a 60 Rank university will be just a waste of finances and time. Yes, you will probably be able to learn few basics, but at what cost and ROI? If you have a business idea, try to get involved in that in India. Though, it again depends on your finances. Are you financially independent? Any family obligations/loans to pay off?

Also, you can probably afford to be a lazy bum in US, but in India, competition if fierce.

You're absolutely right.. can't be a lazy bum anymore.. that's why need a solid kick in the rear.. move to India might just be that.

I'm financially independent. Have over $40k saved up. No loans/debts. No wife/kids as of now.

OP, from reading your post if I'm not mistaken, you sound like you are not even sure of what you want to do or where you want to go. One thing seems to be clear, you seem to be going through some form of mid-life crisis at somewhat young age. I assume you aren't married because only the one's not married get so much time to think :) First of all, set clear goals before trying to achieve anything. Take a timeout, which you already seem to be doing, talk to reliable friends and family about your situation and use your judgement to set out a clear plan for your future. BTW, I like your writing style and candidness.

hope4best;393109OP, from reading your post if I'm not mistaken, you sound like you are not even sure of what you want to do or where you want to go. One thing seems to be clear, you seem to be going through some form of mid-life crisis at somewhat young age. I assume you aren't married because only the one's not married get so much time to think :) First of all, set clear goals before trying to achieve anything. Take a timeout, which you already seem to be doing, talk to reliable friends and family about your situation and use your judgement to set out a clear plan for your future. BTW, I like your writing style and candidness.

Lol.... Thanks...

You're absolutely right... I'm smack down in the middle of a quarter-life crisis.... While mid-life is more of 'regrets' one has with a wasted life... Quarter-life is one where one imagines the regrets he might have and tries his best to make sure they don't happen...


You're also right about lack of direction... He'll I feel like a slumbering animal waking up for the first time! I followed a friend into US without knowing if that's what I wanted... Been following people ever since ... For the first time.. It's like I've stepped out of a long queue.. And looked at the other opportunities... And I'm trying to see what to reach out to... My family is all in India.. Hence I implied that atleast the enlightenment should occur there... Y continue staying in US when it offers no hot paranthas in the morning (I hate the store bought ones...)

Just trying to simplify the equation... One variable at a time ;)

tantrix;393066
Reasons I want to move to India:
- Family.
- Feel at home.
- Tired of lonely and "bland" lifestyle in US.
- Will have a chance to start businesses. No Visa issues.

Reasons I haven't yet:
- No job offer
- Get a lot of time in US for hobbies (due to totally non-existent work)..
- Good pay right now..

Any help would be appreciated :)

Since you seem to have no family commitments (assuming you're unmarried), just get up one fine morning, pack things, go to the airport, swipe your card, get a ticket to India, call up your boss and tell him that you're quitting, board the plane and ask for masala dosa to the American airhostess, show surprise when she says she doesn't have one, talk to the next seat desi about Ramdev and all the usual BS, get down in India, go to your home, surprise your mom and dad, give them a good hug and enjoy the "finally at home" feeling. Take rest and enjoy a month-long "vacation". Then hunt for a job and find one.

India is booming (even though most of the things still suck!) and at your age, landing in a job is not difficult at all. Don't put boundaries around you when you are at an age and state where one should fly around freely and live the life fully.

Believe me, being a lazy bum is good, but being a brave lazy bum is better.

Brilliant... I did that for the world cup.. guess will talk to my boss soon ;)

Tantrix - If you are interested in pursuing your MBA, and believe that it can change careers for you, then you should try harder. Apply to more schools (than just ISB), get more experience under the belt. Getting into top tier schools is harder.

Also, you should and figure out your role model or who you aspire to be, or what your are passionate about. This will have an impact on what you do in your career. It has be beyond $$'s or power, but something that excites you.

Hope this helps.

ps: I am a MBA from top 10 US schools, and have gone through a 2 year application process. Was waitlisted in several top 5 schools.

suba;393130Since you seem to have no family commitments (assuming you're unmarried), just get up one fine morning, pack things, go to the airport, swipe your card, get a ticket to India, call up your boss and tell him that you're quitting, board the plane and ask for masala dosa to the American airhostess, show surprise when she says she doesn't have one, talk to the next seat desi about Ramdev and all the usual BS, get down in India, go to your home, surprise your mom and dad, give them a good hug and enjoy the "finally at home" feeling.

tantrix;393138Brilliant... I did that for the world cup.. guess will talk to my boss soon ;)

That's it?? Dilemma solved? This forum is magic, isn't it? :)

suba;393130.....Take rest and enjoy a month-long "vacation". Then hunt for a job and find one.

Except...He didn't find one the last time around (in India). Nothing seems to have changed. His expertise is still "Niche" with very few select clients. Why don't you expand your expertise for starters- to increase your employability in India and US.

OP, your reasons for staying in US, seem to outweigh the reasons to want to move to India. You say you have a " good pay right now" and then say have a lot of time for hobbies due to " totally non-existent work". A little confusing.
Your plan to " start businesses" in India is very vague- definitely not that easy. Every un/semi-educated man in India is into " business" as well. Need to develop more concrete plans.